This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Last amended by Defence Reform Act 2014 in 2014. Extended employer notification and consultation requirements and improved financial assistance for employers of reservists.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Reserve Forces Act 1996 consolidated legislation on reserve forces (Territorial Army, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Air Force Reserve, and others). It sets out reserve liability, call-out powers, training obligations, and protections for reservists' civilian employment.
Key Points
- Defines the various reserve forces and their composition (Part I)
- Establishes reserve liability to be called out for permanent service (Part IV)
- Provides for call-out orders by Her Majesty or Secretary of State (Part V)
- Protects reservists' civilian employment and provides reinstatement rights (Part VII)
- Creates offence of failure to attend training or report when called out
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — Defence Reform Act 2014
Extended employer notification and consultation requirements and improved financial assistance for employers of reservists.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Reserve Forces Act 1996 cover?
- The Reserve Forces Act 1996 consolidates legislation concerning the Territorial Army, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Air Force Reserve, and other reserve forces. It establishes the legal framework for reserve liability, call-out powers, training obligations, and protections for reservists' civilian employment.
- When can reservists be called out for permanent service due to national danger?
- Under the Act, Her Majesty may issue an order to call out reservists for permanent service if it appears that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen. This power is distinct from the Secretary of State's authority regarding warlike operations.
- Who can authorise the call-out of reservists for warlike operations?
- The Secretary of State has the power to authorise the call-out of reservists if warlike operations are in preparation or currently in progress. This provision allows for the mobilisation of reserve forces in response to specific military operational needs.
- How does the law protect reservists' civilian jobs?
- Part VII of the Act protects reservists' civilian employment and provides reinstatement rights. Additionally, the Defence Reform Act 2014 extended employer notification and consultation requirements and improved financial assistance available to employers of reservists.
- Is it a crime to ignore a call-out order or miss training?
- The Act creates an offence for failing to attend training or for failing to report when called out for service. This ensures that reservists fulfil their training obligations and respond to call-out orders issued by Her Majesty or the Secretary of State.